Antonio Cassano Out Until June Following Heart Surgery

Cassano is still expected to be out of action for most of the rest of the season as he gradually recovers, and his place at the 2012 European Championships will also be at risk. There are more important things than football, however, and it sounds as though he’ll be ok. Although he might have to cut down on the cake.

Now, it’s time to get out the get-well cards again: Cassano will undergo minor heart surgery to repair a slight perforation. The stroke-like symptoms were a result of an ischemic attack, brought on by the heart’s inability to get all the necessary blood to his brain. The surgery should resolve this issue, but it will keep the Italian international out of commission for 3-6 months -- although more will be known about his recovery period after the surgery, which should occur later in the week.

Stroke, brain issues, heart problems. A player well known for his affection for cakes and nutella and other fine things in life. The jokes should abound, but it’s near-impossible to crack them in this context. Fantantonio has had an impressive season, both for Milan and Italy. He’s been an utter joy to watch, and realizing we won’t be seeing him on the pitch for such a long time makes the heart ache a bit.

Reports on Monday remain mysterious, although Cassano’s condition is thought to be improving. It seems the stroke-like symptoms that caused him to be admitted (blurred vision, disorientation, difficulty speaking) are no longer. However, it’s likely Antonio will have to take a break from calcio, in order for the doctors to run more tests and determine what, exactly, this mystery illness is.

If the media do have questions, it’s best not to ask them of Adriano Galliani: “I don’t know how long it will take for him to return. I’m not a medic, that is not my profession. He’s being looked after.” Perhaps it’s not your profession, Mr. Galliani, but it’s something you should probably ask one of Cassano’s doctors at some point. Maybe just a rough idea?

Cassano took the plane back from Rome on Saturday night with his teammates, but when the plane landed, he felt ill enough that the team doctor, Rodolfo Tavana, convinced him to go to the hospital. He’s still there on Sunday night, and is having difficulty speaking and moving. With symptoms similar to those of a possible stroke, Cassano has been transferred to the neurological wing, where he will undergo tests on his heart and brain.

Considering how much Antonio loves to talk, this sudden illness is more than a little disturbing, especially coming as it does in the midst of his best season in recent memory. He’s been involved in the majority of Milan’s matches this season and has reintigrated himself into the Italia squad, having scored three goals in Italy’s last four games.